Patient Education Caring For Your Heart Booklet | Page 41

What About Intimacy?
Refl ecting and
Your Recovery
Some heart patients are embarrassed to
ask their doctors when they can resume
sexual activity. Others wonder if they
will even be interested and, if they are
interested, whether they will be able to
perform. After getting the go-ahead from
their doctors, many people resume sex
about a month after their heart attack.
It is normal to refl ect on your life when
you have a major health event. The more
you understand what happened to you
and why, and what you can do to take
care of yourself, the easier it will be for
you to get your emotions in balance and
to move on with your recovery.
Sexual intercourse with a familiar partner
requires about the same level of energy
as it takes to climb two fl ights of stairs.
If stair climbing leaves you winded, it is
likely that sex will, too. If you are prone
to angina, take a nitroglycerin tablet
before intercourse. If you experience
angina, stop, rest, and report the angina
to your doctor.
Learn from your experience to improve
your health. You may face some limits
on what you can do as you recover.
Some of the limits may be temporary
while your heart heals. Others may be
long-term. Your recovery will be helped
by living within those limits and paying
attention to symptoms you may have.
You may see your heart disease as a
turning point in your life. You may
decide to make lifestyle changes such as:
If your stamina and desire are back, be
sure to give yourself plenty of time to
prepare for and enjoy sex. Many heart
patients fi nd that their interest in sex is
higher in the mornings when they are
feeling rested and relaxed.
 Taking the medicines your doctor
ordered for you
 Adopting healthful eating habits
To avoid overtaxing your heart, do not
have sex after eating a heavy meal, when
you are tired, or when you feel tense.
Try positions that put as little strain on
you as possible, such as lying on your
side or back. Familiar surroundings and a
comfortable temperature are less stressful
on the heart. Talk with your partner
about your needs and concerns.
 Following a regular program of
exercise
 Stopping smoking
 Limiting alcohol intake
 Practicing stress management
These changes may make you feel better
about your recovery and your future
health. We at Mount Carmel wish you
well in your heart health journey.
If impotence is a problem, discuss it with
your doctor. Some of your medicines
may be interfering with your sexual
desire and ability.
40